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Atlanta Hawks power forward Paul Millsap had a player option in his contract, and he has opted out, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical:
Atlanta Hawks All-Star forward Paul Millsap has opted out of his $21.4 million contract for next season to become a free agent, league sources told The Vertical.
Atlanta has publicly stated that Millsap will be a top priority in July free agency, and Millsap has expressed interest in re-signing.
Last month, Millsap’s agent said that Millsap would likely opt out. Now it’s official.
Millsap is one of the best examples of finding elite talent late in the draft. Selected 47th overall in 2006, Millsap has gone on to make four All-Star teams and an All-Defensive team.
Over the course of his 11-year professional career (seven years spent with the Utah Jazz, last four years spent with the Hawks), Millsap has amassed career averages of 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds on 49.3 percent shooting.
This season for the Hawks, Millsap averaged a career-high 18.1 points per game to go with 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Millsap is about as versatile a player as you’ll find at the power forward position (unless you have Draymond Green). He can bang in the post, knock down midrange jumpers and shoot from outside if he’s given space. He’s also a pretty good passer and an elite defender. The Hawks would love to bring Millsap back (unless they opt to rebuild), but so would many other teams. Millsap would be a huge get for most playoff teams.
